About itchy skin

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that compels a person to scratch the affected area. The medical name for itching is pruritus.

Itching can affect any area of the body. It can either be:

generalised – where itching occurs over the whole body
localised – where itching only occurs in a particular area

Sometimes, there may be a rash or spot where the itching occurs.

Mild, short-lived itching is common, but the problem can occasionally be severe and very frustrating to live with.

Common causes of itching

Itching can be caused by a number of different conditions, including:

skin conditions – such as eczema
allergies or skin reactions
parasitic infestations – such as scabies
insect bites and stings
fungal infections – such as athlete’s foot or vaginal thrush
hormonal changes during pregnancy or the menopause
systemic conditions (one that affects the whole body) – such as liver or kidney problems, or an overactive thyroid gland

Further information on the causes of itching

Things you can do

If you experience troublesome itching, there are some things you can do that may help relieve it and prevent damage caused by scratching.

There are also medicines, such as antihistamines and steroid creams, that are available over the counter from pharmacies that may help relieve itching caused by certain skin conditions.

Do

pat or tap the itchy area, rather than scratching it
hold a cold compress, like damp flannel, over the affected area to cool it down
bathe or shower in cool or lukewarm water
use unperfumed personal hygiene products
avoid clothes that irritate your skin, like wool or man-made fabrics
use a moisturiser or emollient if your skin is dry or flaky

Speak to your GP if:

Your itching:

is severe
lasts for a long time
keeps coming back
is associated with other symptoms – like redness and swelling or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
covers your entire body itches and there’s no obvious cause for this

Further information on treatments for itching

What will happen at your GP appointment

Many cases of itching will get better over a short period of time.

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms – for example, if you have noticed whether anything makes your itch worse, or if your itch comes and goes. They will also examine your skin to look for any visible symptoms.

In some cases, they may take a skin scraping or a swab so it can be tested to help identify the cause of your itching. A blood test may also be carried out to look for underlying problems, such as thyroid or kidney disease.

Depending on what is found to be causing your itch, you may be referred to a hospital specialist for a further assessment and specific treatment.